Unlocking the Hidden Value in Machine Vision Data
For decades, machine vision has been the quiet workhorse of manufacturing - a camera and software system that checks each product, sorts the good from the bad, and keeps the line moving. Reliable, practical, and essential.
But here’s the thing: that simple pass/fail decision barely scratches the surface of what these systems can offer. Every inspection, every classification, every measurement contains valuable data. Used well, this data can transform how factories understand quality, manage equipment, and improve processes.
The underused potential of vision systems
Most production environments treat vision as an end-of-line gatekeeper. A defect is spotted, the part is rejected, and the information ends there. Yet the system has already gathered insights that could answer bigger questions:
- How often does each fault type occur, and is it increasing?
- Are certain moulding tools degrading faster than expected?
- Can we spot patterns that predict downtime or scrap before they happen?
- Are there untapped measurements that could support continuous improvement?
This is the data opportunity that Industry 4.0 promises, and that vision systems, old and new, can deliver today.
From hype to practical value
At trade shows and in headlines, “smart sensors” and “connected factories” dominate the conversation. The difference with machine vision is that it’s proven technology. It’s already embedded in production lines across the UK. The step forward is to unlock its hidden value by exporting results into manufacturing analytics systems - turning inspection into intelligence.
Fisher Smith’s approach
Fisher Smith has been designing, integrating and supporting vision systems for over 20 years. We’ve built complex inspection and verification solutions for sectors as demanding as pharmaceuticals, automotive and medical devices. That experience means we understand not just how to capture an image, but how to turn it into reliable, actionable data.
As Iain Smith, Managing Director, explains:
“Vision systems have always been about quality control. The difference now is that the data behind those inspections can drive preventative maintenance, reduce waste, and help UK manufacturers stay competitive. At Fisher Smith, we know how to bridge the gap between legacy systems and Industry 4.0 platforms.”
A new service for manufacturers
We now offer a dedicated service to help manufacturers:
- Assess legacy vision systems and unlock the data they already generate.
- Build new inspection platforms with results analytics at their core.
- Integrate vision data with wider Industry 4.0 and manufacturing analytics platforms.
- Apply AI and deep learning tools where they add genuine value.
Whether you’re working with an older system that seems limited, or planning a new line with analytics in mind, the opportunities are bigger than most realise.
Unlock your hidden insights
Most vision systems do more than just keep bad parts off the line; they hold the keys to understanding why problems happen and how to prevent them. At Fisher Smith, we have the expertise to make that information work for you.
Get in touch to find out how we can turn your inspection results into insights that improve quality, reduce downtime, and strengthen your competitive edge.
Talk to us today about how Fisher Smith can help you with a handheld machine vision solution. Click on the button below to contact us.
